Grilled Chicken Kabobs

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Grilled chicken kabobs are one of my favorite quick summer meals. They are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of kabobs is that you can customize them to your liking, adding different vegetables and seasonings to create a unique flavor.

To make the juiciest grilled chicken kabobs, it’s important to start with a good marinade. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs can do wonders for the flavor and texture of the chicken. I also like to add some vegetables to the marinade, such as bell peppers and onions, to infuse them with flavor before grilling.

More chicken breast recipes to try: 20 simple chicken breast recipes, one pan Italian chicken or Buffalo chicken quesadillas

When it comes to grilling the kabobs, it’s important to cook them over high heat to get a nice char on the outside while keeping the chicken moist and tender on the inside. I like to use metal skewers for grilling as they are sturdier and won’t burn like wooden skewers. 

Grilled chicken kabobs are a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for summer entertaining or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

To make the marinade, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• plain Greek yogurt
• garlic cloves, minced
• olive oil, plus more for brushing on the chicken
• lemon zest
• fresh lemon juice
• chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• dried oregano
• salt and pepper

How to Make Greek Chicken Skewers

When it comes to making delicious grilled chicken kabobs, preparation is key. In this section, I will cover the best chicken for kabobs, cutting the chicken, and what’s the best marinade for chicken skewers.

Best Chicken for Kabobs

For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken kabobs, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs. These cuts of chicken are lean and tender, making them perfect for grilling.

Cutting the Chicken

To prepare the chicken for kabobs, I like to cut it into even-sized pieces. I find that 1 to 2-inch cubes work well. It’s important to make sure that each piece is roughly the same size so that they cook evenly on the grill.

Making the Marinade

To make the marinade, combine the Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, oregano, salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the marinade is smooth and well-mixed.

Next, transfer the marinade to a large bowl and add your chicken and vegetables. I like to use a mix of bell peppers, red onion, and zucchinis for my kabobs, but you can customize your vegetables based on your preferences. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well-coated in the marinade.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour but no longer than 10-12 hours. Ideal time will be between 2-5 hours for perfect taste and texture.Extended marination can affect the texture of the chicken. While it will be tender, over-marinating can make the outer layer mushy and unappealing.

And that’s it! With this simple marinade recipe, you can create delicious and flavorful grilled chicken kabobs that are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or summer get-together.

Assembling the Chicken Kabobs

Making grilled chicken kabobs is a fun and easy way to cook a delicious and healthy meal. Assembling the kabobs is a simple process that involves choosing your vegetables and arranging them on the skewers.

When choosing vegetables for your kabobs, it’s important to choose colorful vegetables that will add flavor and nutrition to your meal. I like to use red onion, cherry tomatoes, and red bell peppers, but you can use any fresh vegetables that you like.

To prepare your vegetables, wash them thoroughly and cut them into 1-inch cubes. You can also leave some vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, whole.

Once you have your vegetables prepared, it’s time to start assembling your kabobs. I like to alternate the vegetables with pieces of chicken on the skewers to create a colorful and flavorful meal.

To assemble the kabobs, simply thread the vegetables and chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little bit of space between each piece. Be sure to leave enough room at the end of the skewer to hold onto when grilling.

You can also use different skewers for different types of vegetables to ensure that they cook evenly. For example, you can use metal skewers for meat and wooden skewers for vegetables that cook faster.

Grilling the Chicken Kabobs

Grilling chicken kabobs is a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Here are some simple instructions to help you grill the perfect chicken kabobs:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or medium heat, depending on your grill’s settings.
2. Place the chicken kabobs on the grill grates over the open flame.
3. Close the grill lid and cook the kabobs for 5-7 minutes on each side.
4. Check the kabobs frequently to ensure they are cooking evenly and not burning.
5. When the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, remove the kabobs from the grill.

It’s important to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) before it is safe to eat.

Additional Flavor Enhancements

If you want to add some extra flavor to your chicken kabobs, try some of these enhancements:

• Brush the kabobs with extra marinade (you’ll have to save some before you add the chicken, so it’s not going to be contaminated with raw chicken juices) before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
• Wrap bacon pieces around the chicken before grilling for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to find your perfect flavor combination. Some popular options include garlic, paprika, cumin, and oregano.

Remember, the key to the best chicken kabobs is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and marinating the chicken for at least a few hours before grilling. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make the best chicken kabobs at your next barbecue.

And if you’re looking for an easy chicken recipe, grilled chicken kabobs are a delicious and crowd-pleasing option. Check out some of our favorite recipes for Greek chicken kabobs or chicken shish kabobs for inspiration.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken Kabobs

When it comes to serving grilled chicken kabobs, there are plenty of options to choose from. No summer meal or barbecue is complete without some tasty side dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside your grilled chicken kabobs:

• Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad is the perfect side dish to serve with chicken kabobs. The fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese or some pan fried halloumi pair perfectly with the juicy chicken and flavorful marinade.
• Potato and Rice Salad: For a heartier side dish, try serving some roasted sweet potato and rice salad with your chicken kabobs. 
• Greek Skordalia: A dip made of potatoes, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and milk. So, if you like garlic, this will be right up your alley!
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob is a classic barbecue side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken kabobs. Slather some butter and sprinkle some salt on top for the best results.
• Cold Pasta Salads: Check these top pasta salad recipes that will go perfectly with your chicken kabobs. A great way to add some extra flavor and freshness to your meal.

No matter what side dishes you choose, serving them alongside your grilled chicken kabobs is sure to be a hit with the entire family.

How To Store Chicken Kabobs Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken kabobs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two or heat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grill chicken kabobs?

The cooking time for chicken kabobs on the grill depends on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the heat of the grill. As a general rule, chicken kabobs should be grilled for 10-12 minutes, flipping them every 3-4 minutes. To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

What to serve with chicken kabobs on the grill?

Grilled chicken kabobs go well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include cold pasta salads, warm rice salad, potato salad, or a simple Greek salad. You can also serve chicken kabobs with a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or salsa verde.

How do I cook kabobs on the grill?

To cook kabobs on the grill, first, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread the meat and vegetables onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook, flipping them every few minutes, until the meat is cooked through.

More Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas:

• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
• Best Chicken and Rice Recipes
• Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
• Best Crispy Chicken Thighs Recipes